Questions?

Have questions about what you need to bring with you for your appointment? Have questions about your bill? The following information should provide you with answers to the most commonly asked questions.

Do I need to inform my insurance company that I'm going to receive hospital services? It depends on your insurance policy. Because there are so many types of insurance plans, it is difficult for us to tell you whether or not you will need prior approval or notification. Sometimes prior approval information can be found on the back of your insurance card. It is your responsibility to check with your insurance company or employer about this.

Should I bring my insurance card and photo ID with me to the hospital? YES. The information on your insurance card is needed for PCH to file a claim with your insurance company(s). When registering, we will ask you for information about your insurance coverage and we will have you sign a few forms. We also need a copy of a valid photo ID. The registration process goes much faster when you bring these with you.

How do I find out if my insurance company will cover my hospital services? Insurance policies vary. You should contact your insurance company or employer with specific questions about what is covered by your insurance plan or if a referral is required. Many HMO insurance policies require a referral from a Primary Care physician. It is best to contact your insurance before scheduling a procedure to verify coverage of the services you will be receiving.

Will you bill my insurance company for me? Yes. As a service to you, we will bill your insurance company(s) based on the information supplied by you at registration.

How will I know my insurance company has paid on my bill? After your insurance company has paid or denied their portion of your hospital services, we will send you a statement. It will indicate the amount that has been paid by insurance and any balance you are required to pay. This is your bill. You have 30 days to pay the balance. If you cannot pay the balance within 30 days, please contact the business office to make payment arrangements.

How do I set up a payment arrangement? Contact our business office to setup a payment schedule for your balance due. You will be required to make a regular monthly payment. If you miss a payment and do not contact our office, this cancels the payment arrangement and further collection proceedings may be implemented.

Where can I pay my bill? You can mail your payment to: Pocahontas Community Hospital 606 NW 7th Street Pocahontas, IA 50574 If personalized assistance is needed, please contact the business office at 712-335-3501. Our office hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

What if I just cannot afford to pay my bill? Contact the business office regarding PCH's Financial Assistance program. You may be eligible to receive financial assistance on your hospital and clinic bills if you have been denied by Title 19, or do not meet eligibility requirements, are a resident of Pocahontas County market area and meet income guidelines. Click here for our financial assistance application.

Will Pocahontas Community Hospital provide me with an itemized statement of my hospital charges? Most of our customers do not want to receive an itemized statement and an itemized statement is very expensive to produce and mail, and also confusing to customers, PCH does not send this detailed statement. However, we would be happy to send you an itemized statement, at no cost to you, at your request.